MARKET BASKET. MARKETPLACE..

Sur La Table opens doors to a wide world of cooking

December 19, 2001|By Renee Enna.

A copper risotto bowl from Italy. A terra cotta tagine from Tunisia. A hot pot from Korea. These are just three examples of the international product lineup at Sur La Table, the Seattle-based kitchenware company that opened its 24th store last week in Chicago at 52-54 E. Walton St. Many local cooks familiar with the company's catalog business have waited patiently for a store to open close to home.

"We really spend a lot of time looking at tools used to cook the foods of different cultures," said president Renee Behnke. "We offer a broad selection; it's important to have a lot to choose from."

The 6,700-square-foot store stocks about 16,000 items, with a price range that's almost as broad as the inventory. For example, take those Asian hot pots--a k a shabu shabu--used to cook vegetables, meats and tofu in broth. There's a stainless-steel one for $39, and a copper one for $240. You'll also find more than 700 cookbooks, 200 types of kitchen towels, 25 whisks, 50 pepper mills and 15 creme brulee dishes. You can spend $150 on a garnishing tool set, or $2.95 on a 3-ounce porcelain cow-shape creamer. A 7-quart Tuscan soup pot costs $30. A cast-iron mini-hibachi, $7.95.

Behnke thinks her company's global focus is a perfect fit in Chicago. "I have never seen such a phenomenal cross-section of ethnic restaurants in one metropolitan area," she said. "It speaks to your ethnic cross-section of residents and travelers."

What also may whet the appetites of area cooks is the 860-square-foot cooking school. The full kitchen will accommodate about 35 students. Demonstration and hands-on classes, most in the $35 to $40 range, will be offered beginning Feb. 4. Guest teachers include cookbook authors Nick Malgieri, Rick Rodgers and Joanne Weir.

Regular store hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The holiday exceptions: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31. The store will be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. For information, call 312-337-0600.